'Darbar', coming in the direction of 'Ghajini' and 'Thuppaki' helmer AR Murugadoss, has the legendary Rajinikanth in the lead.  Presented by Subaskaran of Lyca Productions, which bankrolls huge movies, this film has the Superstar in the role of a cop named Aditya Arunachalam.  To hit the screens as a Sankranthi treat, it will be released by the famous producer NV Prasad in the Telugu States.  

Most recently, the film's rocking first number, 'Dhummu Dhooli', was unveiled.  Composed by Anirudh Ravichander in a fitting way to suit Rajini's stellar image, it's written by Ananth Sriram and sung by the legendary SP Balasubrahmanyam.  The song has been slaying it on the chartbusters, besides garnering 8 million views in Telugu and Tamil.  

Thank you, Telugu people

Speaking about the reception to the song, lyricist Ananth Sriram said, "My heart-felt pranams to the Telugu audience.  I am extremely happy with the rousing reception.  The Telugu version has clocked 2 million views already. The first song of Rajinikanth garu's movies is always special.  I was fortunate to write such a song ('Marana Mass') for 'Peta' as well."  

About SPB's contribution

"If the 'Peta' number was jointly rendered by SPB garu and Anirudh, this one has been exclusively sung by SPB garu.  If the lyricist takes 50 steps, with his classy rendition, SPB garu takes a song another 50 steps ahead on his own.  With the music and lyrics falling into place, his voice has only heightened the experience.  The Telugu audience have proved once again that they readily embrace any song regardless of whether it is from a straight film or otherwise."  

About experimenting with lyrics

"I have done some experimentation in terms of lyrics.  For example, the line 'Nalupu rangunna simham vacchesindu!'  Another example is, 'Inupa rod alle chethulu kattuku koorchunte thuppu patti pothav.  Adhe kanuka pani chesthunte naala eppudu young ga untav'.  I have tried to convey a strong message through the Rajini song.  By blending massy vibes with message-oriented lines, I have tried to delight the audience."  

Happy to be writing for Rajinikanth garu

"It was for 'Kathanayakudu' that I wrote for Rajinikanth garu for the first time; it's titled 'Superstar'.  It was a hit.  I have since written for 'Vikrama Simha',  '2.0'   and 'Peta'.  I thank the listeners for warming up to each of them.  The songs 'Bulliguvaa' and 'Priyamavu Priyamavu' from '2.0' were big hits."  

For Chiranjeevi garu then, with Rajini garu now

AR Murugadoss garu's films are message-driven, entertaining.  He doesn't try to prove his intelligence for the sake of it.  His films are endearing, as they can be understood easily by one and all.  'Darbar' is an amazing cop story.  I wish that this one will be a blockbuster like his previous movies.  I had worked on 'Stalin' for Murugadoss garu for the first time.  'Parare Parare', Chiranjeevi garu's intro song in that movie, was by me.  After all these years, I have penned an intro song for Rajinikanth garu under Murugadoss garu's direction.  I hope this association of ours will continue.  

The producers are lovely to work with

Lyca Productions has been making movies with Rajini garu.  At the same time, they are encouraging small movies as well.  They are very good producers who respect their technicians and artists.  I hope that 'Darbar' becomes their biggest hit in Telugu.  NV Prasad garu is going to present it to the Telugu audience and I wish him the best.  

Cast & Crew

With Nayanthara as the hero's pair, the big-ticket mass entertainer has Nivetha Thomas in a key role.  Bollywood actor Suneil Shetty, Yogi Babu, Thambi Ramaiah, Sriman, Pratheik Babbar, Jatin Sarna, Nawab Shah, Dalip Tahil and others are part of the cast.

PRO: Naidu Surendra Kumar - Phani Kandukuri.  Fights: Peter Hein, Ram-Lakshman.  Lyricist: Vivek.  Art Direction: T Santanam.  Editor: Srikar Prasad.  Executive Producer: Sundar Raj.  Cinematography: Santosh Sivan. Music: Anirudh Ravichandran.  Production House: Lyca Productions.  Written and directed by: AR Murugadoss.  Producer: Subaskaran.